Springfield, IL Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Springfield, IL, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Springfield City Code Ch. 94 (Intl. Fire Code 2006 adopted)
- Yard waste/garbage burning
- Prohibited in city
- Allowed hours (city recreational fire)
- 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Wind limit
- No burning over 20 mph
- County waste burning hours
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sangamon Co.)
Summary
In the City of Springfield, open burning of yard waste, garbage, and construction materials is prohibited. Only recreational fires (fire pits, portable fireplaces) using dry wood or charcoal are permitted under Chapter 94 and the adopted International Fire Code, subject to size, setback, attendance, hours, and wind conditions. Outside the city, Sangamon County allows landscape/agricultural waste burning under conditions.
Springfield: Burning of yard waste, garbage, construction materials, etc. is prohibited. To meet local ordinance (chapter 94) and city code (International Fire Code 2006 adopted), several conditions apply for open burning (i.e. recreational fires). ... The open burning of agricultural, domicile and landscape waste in Sangamon County only when: 1. On the site waste is generated. 2. In areas other than restricted. 3. When atmospheric conditions will readily dissipate contaminants and if such burning does not create a visibility hazard on roadways, railroad tracks or airfields. 4. With agricultural waste, the burning shall be 1,000 feet from residential or other populated areas. 5. When winds are not in excess of 20 miles per hour or there is no other danger involved. 6. Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless done so on a specified EPA permit that shall be on site during the burn. 7. There is no imminent health hazard to persons in the area.
Full Breakdown
Springfield prohibits burning of yard waste, garbage, construction materials, etc. ; no burning during winds over 20 mph or during high fire danger; and no imminent health hazard. , when winds do not exceed 20 mph, and with no imminent health hazard; agricultural waste burning must be 1,000 feet from residential or populated areas. Certain burns require an Illinois EPA permit that must be kept on site.
Violations & Fines
Burning prohibited materials (yard waste, garbage, construction debris) or violating recreational-fire conditions within the city is enforced by the Springfield Fire Safety Division under Chapter 94 and the International Fire Code; the fire department may order the fire extinguished and issue citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Springfield city limits?
What about burning yard waste in unincorporated Sangamon County?
Do I need a permit to burn in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Illinois fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.